Have you Been a Victim?
Most often, medical negligence cases in the news only detail rare, unlikely situations that lead to large compensation. Of course, these are extremes cases, often carrying numerous complexities with them. Claims across the board are on the rise, however, as more people are being negatively affected as a direct result of malpractice. In fact, the NHS paid out around £1.7billion last year, a staggering statistic. This is not because people are “cheating the system” or anything like that. The fact is, mistakes happen. When dealing with so many thousands and thousands of patients and, this is inevitable. While this is a lot of money for the NHS, that doesn’t mean those injured shouldn’t be entitled to compensation. As we know professional medical negligence solicitors throughout Manchester, they know this, and have helped many over the years receive the compensation they deserve.
But, it’s not just high profile, ultra-rare cases where you’re entitled to make a claim. Medical negligence comes in many forms. Here are some examples:
- Delaying treatment unnecessarily
- Misdiagnosis
- Giving the incorrect treatment which leads to a worsening condition
- “Never events” – that is, something that is inexcusable and should not happen under any circumstances. For example, leaving a surgical swab inside a body during a surgery.
For many who’ve been negatively affected, in minor instances the situation is often left alone. You might have a claim where you haven’t considered it, though. Here are some instances you might not be aware of.
Orthopaedic Injuries
This refers to joint and bone injuries, which are notorious for being tricky to fix, and grounds for malpractice. If not dealt with quickly and correctly, the patient can sometimes expect pain and mobility problems in the future.
For example, small fractures and breaks are in rare cases missed. If a fracture is missed that should be spotted “easily” on an x-ray, it’s likely the patient will experience ongoing pain. The bone(s) may not heal correctly, which can heavily affect joint mobility.
Accident and Emergency
A&E has been a staple aspect of the NHS over the years, offering a system where people can go in the case of a sudden injury or emergency health issue. The demand placed on A&E has risen drastically over the years. We’re seeing incredibly long wait times, and instances where not everyone can be seen. This means it’s very difficult to prioritise patients correctly, depending on severity of their condition. One of the more instances of A&E negligence is with head injuries. Being too late to deal with head injuries can quickly lead to more severe problems. Concussions need to be analysed carefully for their potential implications on the patients’ health. This means correctly identifying fractures and assessing neurological condition.
Patients can often be discharged too early, largely as a result of the time pressure to see as many patients as possible. Where diagnoses have been missed that cause a patient further problems, you may have a claim.
Childbirth
We don’t want to alarm anyone. Childbirth is a wonderful thing. However, it is one of the more common areas where medical negligence occurs. The mother and child should be monitored throughout, and should any concerns arise regarding their health, they should be addressed immediately. Some pregnancies are categorised as “high risk”, for example, where the mother has a health issue. Cerebral palsy is a largely preventable condition that occurs at a rate of approximately 1 in 400 births.
Surgery
Surgery is incredibly complicated, to the extent that surgical procedures aren’t always routine. While most procedures happen successfully without any problems, all the correct protocols must be followed to ensure patient safety. For example, the patient must be fully aware of the risks involved, so their consent is made with all necessary information.
Problems can occur during surgery, such as causing damage elsewhere, or failing to correctly seal a wound. Surgical procedures that go wrong make for some unpleasant reading if you care to explore online. Rest assured, the incidence of something going wrong is incredibly rare and usually not extreme.
The NHS is a fantastic institution and is envied by much of the world. We are very lucky to have healthcare that we so often take for granted. Medical negligence errors cost NHS £1.7bn in compensation last year. No doubt we hope that the NHS continues to receive the funding it needs to grow, adapt and improve. That said, medical negligence does happen in rare cases, and if you’ve suffered in a way that was easily preventable, you may be entitled to compensation. To discuss your claim, call the medical experts now. They offer a no win no fee claims service, meaning you’ve got nothing to lose.